# Media as a Learning Layer > Media reduces cognitive load over stable written content. ## Description Media exists to reduce cognitive load, not increase it. It is a learning layer over stable written content—optional, contextual, and regenerable. Canonical truth lives in text; media supports understanding but does not define it. Core rules: clarity is the default (not any specific medium), media is not canon, progressive disclosure is mandatory (opt-in only, no autoplay), media must match learning intent (diagrams for mental models, short video for orientation, audio for reflection), and media is created only for stable content. The system rejects media-first pages, content dumps, and redundant explanations. ## Content Media is a **learning layer** over stable written content. It is optional, contextual, and regenerable. **Canonical truth lives in text.** Media supports understanding — it does not define it. --- ## Core Rules ### 1) Clarity is the default Text is not the default. Video is not the default. Audio is not the default. **Clarity is the default.** Media is used only when it teaches faster or better than text alone. --- ### 2) Media is not Canon Canonical truth is preserved in: - markdown content - frontmatter - decision records - evidence policies Media assets are: - supporting artifacts - replaceable / regenerable - optional **The ownership and placement of media is canonical.** The media itself is not. --- ### 3) Progressive disclosure is mandatory All media must be **opt-in**. Allowed interactions: - Watch - Listen - View diagram - Download Disallowed patterns: - autoplay (anywhere) - background video - forced consumption - media that blocks navigation or comprehension The default experience must remain: - readable - navigable - understandable - usable without media --- ### 4) Match media to learning intent Media must be chosen based on the learning outcome: - **Images / diagrams** - Establish mental models - Replace multi-paragraph explanations - **Short video (≤ 90 seconds)** - Orientation and framing - Not exhaustive detail - **Audio** - Reflection and deeper thinking - Always optional - **PDF** - Reference, synthesis, offline use - Never required for basic understanding Each asset must answer: > What does this teach faster or better than text? If it cannot answer, it does not belong. --- ### 5) Stability before production Media is created only for **stable content**. Draft or evolving ideas remain text-first until: - the concept stabilizes - the page stops churn - the narrative is unlikely to drift This prevents: - outdated explainers - conflicting narratives - re-record churn Media follows clarity — not the other way around. --- ## Anti-Patterns (Explicitly Rejected) The system intentionally avoids: - media-first pages - content dumps / galleries - redundant explanations across formats - "just in case" assets - polish media used to compensate for unclear thinking If removing a piece of media would break understanding, that is a design failure. --- ## Compliance Note PRDs may reference this appendix. They should not re-litigate the philosophy. PRDs define **how** a project applies this principle. This appendix defines the governing constraint.